"Ach, lieber Gott! he is wounded," said the old man.
"We have had an exciting trip," replied Kenneth laconically. "I suppose I shall have to go on to Crefeld. Is anything happening here? I notice that transport is being diverted from the main road to a by-way. Why is that?"
"An accident, Herr Captain," said the man. "A traction engine, drawing a very heavy load, slipped over the edge of the causeway three miles yonder. Something broke; it was late last night, and I heard they had to send to Crefeld for a steam crane to lift it. Maybe it is done by now."
"It was drawing an ammunition wagon, I suppose?"
"It did not look like that, Herr Captain. I walked over to see. But I could not guess what it was, for it was covered all over with tarpaulin."
"Lend me a horse; I'll ride over. Perhaps there's some petrol in the baggage train."
"I am sorry, Herr Captain; all the horses are taken."
"I must walk then. This boy can come and show me the way, and carry back the petrol."
"Surely, mein Herr."
"Keep a look-out, will you? If you see any one approaching, warn the Herr Lieutenant. There may be spies about."